Once the global fashion weeks draw to a close, all eyes inevitably turn to one of the most anticipated events on the style calendar — the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The 2025 edition was no exception, dazzling audiences with its blend of glamour, artistry, and star-studded performances. But this year, it was Africa’s representation on the runway that truly stole the show.
Leading the charge were two of the continent’s brightest stars — South Africa’s Candice Swanepoel and Sudanese-American model Anok Yai. The pair brought both elegance and power to the runway, proving once again that Africa’s beauty and talent continue to shine on the global stage.
Candice Swanepoel, discovered in her hometown of Durban, has been a Victoria’s Secret Angel since 2010. Over the years, she has become one of the brand’s most iconic faces, gracing countless high-fashion runways and the covers of Vogue, Elle, and other leading magazines. Her return to the Victoria’s Secret runway was met with thunderous applause, a testament to her enduring influence in the fashion world.
Anok Yai, born in Cairo to Sudanese parents, has quickly become one of fashion’s most in-demand models. With a career marked by major campaigns and historic moments — including being the second Black model to open a Prada show — she continues to break barriers. Her commanding presence has earned her multiple Vogue covers, solidifying her as a global fashion powerhouse.
The two walked alongside some of the industry’s most celebrated names, including Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, reaffirming that African excellence stands proudly among the best in the world.
While South Africans celebrate Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s worth also applauding these women who are flying the African flag high on another global stage — that of fashion. Through their grace, talent, and unwavering pride in their heritage, Candice and Anok continue to remind the world that African beauty, style, and artistry are second to none.
